Esta página no seu idioma

English

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

中文

हिन्दी

A2 verb #28 mais comum 8 min de leitura

steal

Top 28

Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas steal em 30 segundos

Explicação steal in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'steal' is introduced as a basic action verb meaning to take something that is not yours. Students learn it alongside other common verbs like 'give', 'take', and 'buy'. The focus is on simple, direct sentences about physical objects. At this stage, the irregular past tense 'stole' might be introduced, but the primary goal is understanding the core concept of unauthorized taking. Examples usually involve everyday items like toys, pens, or food. The moral aspect (that stealing is bad) is often the context in which it is first encountered in classroom materials. Teachers emphasize that 'steal' is the opposite of 'ask' or 'buy'.

Cadastre-se grátis para ler a explicação completa

At the A2 level, learners begin to use 'steal' in more varied contexts and become more comfortable with its irregular forms: steal, stole, and stolen. They start to understand the difference between 'steal' and 'take' (permission vs. no permission). A2 students should be able to describe simple past events, such as 'Someone stole my bike' or 'He stole a cookie'. They also begin to encounter 'steal' in simple passive constructions, which are common in news-style sentences. The focus is on expanding the range of objects that can be stolen and starting to recognize the word in short stories or basic news reports. They also learn to use 'from' to indicate the source of the theft.

At the B1 level, students move beyond literal theft and start to explore figurative and idiomatic uses of 'steal'. They learn common expressions like 'steal the show' or 'steal a glance'. Grammatically, they should be proficient in using all tenses of 'steal' and understand the nuances of the passive voice (e.g., 'The money had been stolen before the police arrived'). B1 learners also start to distinguish 'steal' from 'rob', a common point of confusion. They can participate in discussions about the ethics of stealing in different situations and can describe more complex scenarios, such as identity theft or stealing ideas in a school or workplace setting.

Cadastre-se grátis para ler a explicação completa

At the B2 level, learners are expected to use 'steal' with precision and stylistic variety. They understand the subtle differences between 'steal' and its synonyms like 'pilfer', 'shoplift', or 'embezzle'. They can use 'steal' in complex grammatical structures, including conditional sentences and reported speech. B2 students are familiar with a wider range of idioms and can use them naturally in conversation (e.g., 'to steal someone's thunder'). They can also understand and discuss the legal implications of stealing in different contexts, such as intellectual property rights or corporate espionage. Their vocabulary is rich enough to describe the 'how' of the stealing—whether it was done 'stealthily', 'brazenly', or 'systematically'.

Cadastre-se grátis para ler a explicação completa

At the C1 level, 'steal' is used with full native-like fluency, including its most subtle metaphorical applications. Learners can appreciate the use of 'steal' in literature and high-level journalism to create imagery or emphasize a point. They understand how 'steal' can describe the movement of time, the capture of emotions, or the subtle shift of power. C1 students can navigate the complexities of legal and academic discussions involving theft, such as 'larceny', 'misappropriation', or 'plagiarism', and know when 'steal' is an appropriate summary or when a more technical term is required. They are also sensitive to the register of the word, knowing when to use informal slang alternatives or formal legalistic ones.

Cadastre-se grátis para ler a explicação completa

At the C2 level, the word 'steal' is a tool for nuanced expression. The learner understands the deep historical and cultural connotations of the word. They can use it to explore philosophical concepts, such as 'stealing time' or the 'theft of innocence'. They are comfortable with archaic or highly literary uses of the word and can use it creatively in their own writing to evoke specific moods or themes. At this level, the distinction between 'steal' and its dozens of synonyms is second nature, and the choice of word is always deliberate and impactful. They can analyze how the concept of 'stealing' has evolved in the digital age and contribute to sophisticated debates on the topic.

Cadastre-se grátis para ler a explicação completa

Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas

steal em 30 segundos

Steal is an irregular verb meaning to take something without permission.
The past forms are 'stole' (past simple) and 'stolen' (past participle).
It is different from 'rob' because 'steal' focuses on the object taken.
It can be used figuratively, like 'stealing a glance' or 'stealing the show'.

The verb steal is a fundamental part of the English language, primarily used to describe the act of taking something that belongs to someone else without their permission and with no intention of returning it. At its core, it represents a breach of trust and law. However, its usage extends far beyond simple theft. In everyday conversation, we use it to describe everything from a child taking a cookie to a professional athlete 'stealing' a base in baseball. Understanding the nuances of this word requires looking at both its literal and figurative applications.

Literal Theft: The most common use involves physical objects. If someone takes your wallet, they steal it. It implies a level of secrecy or stealth, distinguishing it from 'robbery' which often involves force or threats.

The thief managed to steal the rare painting during the night without triggering any alarms.

Intellectual Property: In the modern era, we frequently talk about stealing ideas, music, or digital content. This refers to plagiarism or copyright infringement where the 'object' is intangible but the act of unauthorized taking remains the same.

He was accused of trying to steal his colleague's research findings for his own presentation.

Figurative Usage: We often use 'steal' to describe capturing attention or moving quietly. To 'steal a glance' means to look quickly and secretly. To 'steal the show' means to be the most impressive part of a performance.

The young actress managed to steal the limelight from the veteran stars with her powerful performance.

She tried to steal away from the party before anyone noticed she was leaving.

I managed to steal a few minutes of quiet time before the kids woke up.

In summary, 'steal' is a versatile verb that spans from criminal acts to subtle social maneuvers. Its power lies in the concept of taking something—whether physical, intellectual, or temporal—without an explicit right to do so. Whether you are discussing a high-stakes heist or a quick look at a secret note, 'steal' provides the necessary linguistic weight to describe the action of taking something covertly.

Using 'steal' correctly requires attention to its irregular forms and its specific grammatical patterns. As an irregular verb, it follows the pattern: steal (present), stole (past simple), and stolen (past participle). This section explores how to integrate these forms into various sentence structures, from simple active voice to more complex passive constructions.

Active Voice Patterns: The basic structure is [Subject] + [steal] + [Object]. You can also specify the source using 'from': [Subject] + [steal] + [Object] + from + [Person/Place].

The hungry fox tried to steal a chicken from the farmer's barn.

Passive Voice Constructions: In passive voice, the focus is on the object that was taken. The structure is [Object] + [be] + stolen. This is very common in news reports or when the thief is unknown.

My bicycle was stolen from the train station yesterday afternoon.

If you leave your bag unattended, someone might steal it.

Using the Past Tense: When describing a completed action in the past, use 'stole'. It is a strong, direct verb that immediately conveys the action.

The hackers stole thousands of customer records from the database.

They were caught trying to steal the election by tampering with the ballots.

It's wrong to steal, no matter how much you think you need the item.

Mastering 'steal' involves knowing when to use its different forms and ensuring the object of the theft is clearly identified. Whether you are writing a formal police report or telling a story about a mischievous pet, these patterns will help you communicate clearly and accurately.

The word 'steal' is ubiquitous in English, appearing in contexts ranging from the evening news to romantic comedies. Its versatility allows it to function in legal, social, and metaphorical settings. By observing where this word appears, you can gain a deeper understanding of its emotional and social weight.

News and Law Enforcement: In media, 'steal' is used to describe crimes. Headlines often feature words like 'identity theft' or 'stolen property'. It is the standard term for the illegal acquisition of assets.

The police are looking for two men who attempted to steal an ATM from the local convenience store.

Entertainment and Sports: In sports commentary, 'stealing' is often a highlight. In baseball, 'stealing a base' is a strategic move. In basketball, 'stealing the ball' is a defensive triumph. In entertainment, 'stealing the show' is the ultimate compliment for a supporting actor.

The point guard managed to steal the ball and score a fast-break layup.

He didn't just win the competition; he managed to steal the hearts of the entire audience.

Everyday Conversations: People use 'steal' casually to describe minor infractions or even positive things. If you get a great deal on a purchase, you might say it was 'a steal'. If someone uses your idea, you might complain that they 'stole' it.

I can't believe you stole the last piece of pizza without asking!

She was about to announce her promotion, but her brother stole her thunder by announcing his engagement.

Don't steal my ideas and present them as your own in the meeting tomorrow.

Whether in the high-stakes world of crime reporting or the lighthearted banter of friends, 'steal' is a word that carries significant meaning. Its ability to describe both the illegal and the impressive makes it a fascinating study in English vocabulary.

Even for advanced learners, 'steal' can be tricky due to its similarity to other verbs like 'rob' and 'take'. Understanding the specific constraints of 'steal' will help you avoid common errors that can make your English sound unnatural or even change the meaning of your sentence entirely.

Steal vs. Rob: This is the most frequent mistake. You steal an object, but you rob a person or a place. You cannot 'steal a bank'; you 'rob a bank'. You cannot 'rob a car' (unless you are taking things from inside it while the car remains); you 'steal a car'.

Incorrect: They stole the old lady on the street. Correct: They robbed the old lady on the street.

Passive Voice Confusion: Learners often say 'I was stolen' when they mean their property was taken. In English, 'I was stolen' implies you were kidnapped. The correct way to express this is 'My [item] was stolen' or 'I was robbed'.

Incorrect: I was stolen my phone. Correct: My phone was stolen.

He stole money from the register. (Correct: 'money' is the object).

Steal vs. Borrow: Sometimes people use 'steal' when they mean they took something without asking but intend to return it. While 'steal' can be used jokingly, in formal contexts, it implies a permanent loss. 'Borrowing without permission' is a more accurate description for temporary use.

I didn't steal your pen; I just borrowed it for a second!

They stole the show with their incredible dance routine.

Don't let anyone steal your joy.

By keeping these distinctions in mind—especially the 'steal objects vs. rob people' rule—you will communicate much more effectively and avoid the most common pitfalls associated with this word.

While 'steal' is the most general term for taking something without permission, English offers a rich variety of synonyms that provide more specific details about how, what, or why something was taken. Choosing the right alternative can make your writing more precise and evocative.

Pilfer and Filch: These words describe stealing small amounts or items of little value, often repeatedly. 'Pilfer' is often used in workplace contexts (pilfering office supplies).

The employee was fired for pilfering stamps from the mailroom over several months.

Shoplift: This is a very specific type of stealing: taking goods from a store during business hours without paying for them.

The teenager was caught trying to shoplift a pair of expensive headphones.

The manager was arrested for embezzling funds from the charity's bank account.

Loot and Pillage: These terms describe stealing on a large scale, often during a riot, war, or natural disaster. They imply chaos and widespread theft.

After the earthquake, some people began to loot the abandoned shops for food and supplies.

The spy managed to purloin the secret documents from the safe.

He tried to snatch her purse and run away, but a bystander stopped him.

Understanding these alternatives allows you to describe the act of taking something with much greater detail. Whether it's the sneaky 'filching' of a snack or the large-scale 'looting' of a city, English has a word for every kind of theft.

How Formal Is It?

Curiosidade

The word 'steal' is one of the oldest words in the English language, dating back over a thousand years. Its irregular forms (stole, stolen) are a remnant of ancient Germanic verb patterns.

Guia de pronúncia

UK /stiːl/

US /stil/

Single syllable word, so the stress is on the entire word.

Rima com

feel heal meal peel seal teal wheel zeal

Erros comuns

Pronouncing it like 'still' (short 'i' sound).
Confusing the spelling with 'steel' (the metal), though they sound the same.
Mispronouncing the past tense 'stole' as 'stoled'.
Adding an extra syllable (e.g., 'ste-al').
Mixing up the 'ea' sound with 'ai' (e.g., 'stail').

Nível de dificuldade

Leitura 2/5

Easy to recognize in most texts.

Escrita 3/5

Requires knowledge of irregular forms (stole, stolen).

Expressão oral 3/5

Commonly confused with 'rob' in spoken English.

Audição 2/5

Clear pronunciation, though 'steal' and 'steel' sound identical.

O que aprender depois

Pré-requisitos

take give have money bad

Aprenda a seguir

rob theft burglar crime illegal

Avançado

embezzle pilfer misappropriate larceny plagiarism

Gramática essencial

Irregular Verbs

I steal (present), I stole (past), I have stolen (present perfect).

Passive Voice

The watch was stolen (focus on the object).

Transitive Verbs

You must steal *something* (requires a direct object).

Prepositional Phrases

Steal [object] *from* [source].

Gerunds as Subjects

Stealing is a crime.

Cadastre-se grátis para ler a explicação completa

Exemplos por nível

Do not steal the toy.

Jangan mencuri mainan itu.

Imperative form (giving a command).

He wants to steal a cookie.

Dia ingin mencuri kue.

Infinitive after 'wants to'.

Did you steal my pen?

Apakah kamu mencuri pulpenku?

Question form in the present tense.

The cat stole the fish.

Kucing itu mencuri ikannya.

Past simple 'stole'.

I don't steal.

Saya tidak mencuri.

Negative present simple.

They steal bread because they are hungry.

Mereka mencuri roti karena mereka lapar.

Present simple for a general habit or fact.

Is it wrong to steal?

Apakah mencuri itu salah?

Gerund/Infinitive as a subject.

She stole my heart.

Dia mencuri hatiku.

Idiomatic use (A1 level introduction to idioms).

Someone stole my bicycle from the park.

Seseorang mencuri sepeda saya dari taman.

Past simple with a prepositional phrase.

He was caught trying to steal a phone.

Dia tertangkap saat mencoba mencuri telepon.

Passive voice 'was caught' + participle.

They stole some money from the shop.

Mereka mencuri sejumlah uang dari toko.

Past simple 'stole' with 'from'.

My bag was stolen yesterday.

Tas saya dicuri kemarin.

Passive voice 'was stolen'.

You should not steal from your friends.

Kamu tidak boleh mencuri dari teman-temanmu.

Modal verb 'should' for advice.

The thief stole a car and drove away.

Pencuri itu mencuri mobil dan pergi.

Two past simple verbs in a sequence.

It is easy to steal if there are no cameras.

Mudah untuk mencuri jika tidak ada kamera.

Conditional 'if' clause.

She stole a glance at her watch.

Dia melirik jam tangannya sebentar.

Idiomatic expression 'steal a glance'.

The band managed to steal the show with their final song.

Band itu berhasil memukau penonton dengan lagu terakhir mereka.

Idiom 'steal the show'.

I think someone has stolen my identity online.

Saya rasa seseorang telah mencuri identitas saya secara daring.

Present perfect 'has stolen'.

He stole the idea for the movie from a book he read.

Dia mencuri ide film itu dari buku yang dia baca.

Metaphorical use for intellectual property.

If I hadn't locked the door, they would have stolen everything.

Jika saya tidak mengunci pintu, mereka akan mencuri segalanya.

Third conditional.

The little girl tried to steal away from the table.

Gadis kecil itu mencoba menyelinap pergi dari meja.

Phrasal verb 'steal away'.

She felt guilty after she stole the answer from her classmate.

Dia merasa bersalah setelah mencuri jawaban dari teman sekelasnya.

Past simple in a subordinate clause.

The painting was stolen in broad daylight.

Lukisan itu dicuri di siang bolong.

Passive voice with an adverbial phrase.

He was accused of stealing company secrets.

Dia dituduh mencuri rahasia perusahaan.

Preposition 'of' + gerund.

The hackers stole sensitive data from the government server.

Para peretas mencuri data sensitif dari server pemerintah.

Technical context.

Don't let him steal your thunder during the presentation.

Jangan biarkan dia mengambil perhatian saat presentasi Anda.

Idiom 'steal someone's thunder'.

The jewels were stolen despite the high-tech security system.

Permata itu dicuri meskipun ada sistem keamanan canggih.

Concession clause with 'despite'.

He managed to steal a march on his competitors by launching early.

Dia berhasil mendahului para pesaingnya dengan meluncurkan lebih awal.

Idiom 'steal a march on'.

The suspect admitted to stealing the vehicle under pressure.

Tersangka mengaku mencuri kendaraan itu di bawah tekanan.

Verb 'admit to' + gerund.

It’s a steal at only fifty dollars!

Ini sangat murah, hanya lima puluh dolar!

Noun use of 'steal' (informal).

She stole a kiss before he boarded the train.

Dia menciumnya sekilas sebelum dia naik kereta.

Collocation 'steal a kiss'.

The documentary explores how corporations steal natural resources.

Dokumenter itu mengeksplorasi bagaimana korporasi mencuri sumber daya alam.

Abstract/Social context.

The politician was criticized for trying to steal the election.

Politisi itu dikritik karena mencoba mencurangi pemilihan.

Political/Metaphorical context.

He had a way of stealing into a room without anyone noticing.

Dia punya cara menyelinap ke dalam ruangan tanpa ada yang menyadari.

Verb 'steal' describing movement.

The author was sued for allegedly stealing the plot from an obscure novel.

Penulis itu digugat karena diduga mencuri alur cerita dari novel yang tidak dikenal.

Legal context with 'allegedly'.

The winter sun managed to steal through the thick clouds for a moment.

Matahari musim dingin berhasil menembus awan tebal sejenak.

Literary/Poetic use.

She felt that the long hours at work were stealing her youth.

Dia merasa jam kerja yang panjang merenggut masa mudanya.

Figurative use (stealing time/life).

The company was found guilty of stealing trade secrets from its rival.

Perusahaan itu dinyatakan bersalah karena mencuri rahasia dagang dari saingannya.

Formal legal phrasing.

He tried to steal himself away from the limelight to find some peace.

Dia mencoba menjauhkan diri dari pusat perhatian untuk menemukan ketenangan.

Reflexive use with 'away'.

The thief was so skilled he could steal the pennies off a dead man's eyes.

Pencuri itu sangat ahli sehingga dia bisa mencuri apa pun dari siapa pun.

Hyperbolic idiom.

The poem describes how grief can steal the color from the world.

Puisi itu menggambarkan bagaimana kesedihan bisa merenggut warna dari dunia.

Highly abstract/Literary.

In the twilight of his career, he felt that time had stolen his finest opportunities.

Di penghujung kariernya, dia merasa waktu telah merenggut peluang terbaiknya.

Philosophical context.

The revolution was seen by many as an attempt to steal the sovereignty of the people.

Revolusi itu dipandang oleh banyak orang sebagai upaya untuk merampas kedaulatan rakyat.

Political/Abstract.

He watched as the tide began to steal across the sand, erasing the footprints.

Dia memperhatikan saat air pasang mulai merayap di atas pasir, menghapus jejak kaki.

Personification/Descriptive.

The hackers' ability to steal into encrypted systems remains a major threat.

Kemampuan peretas untuk menyusup ke dalam sistem terenkripsi tetap menjadi ancaman utama.

Metaphorical movement in technology.

The film captures the moment when innocence is stolen by the harsh realities of war.

Film itu menangkap momen ketika kepolosan dirampas oleh realitas perang yang kejam.

Thematic/Symbolic use.

She possessed a quiet beauty that seemed to steal the breath from those she met.

Dia memiliki kecantikan tenang yang seolah-olah membuat orang yang ditemuinya terengah-engah.

Poetic hyperbole.

The legal battle centered on whether the algorithm had stolen the creative essence of the original work.

Pertempuran hukum berpusat pada apakah algoritma tersebut telah mencuri esensi kreatif dari karya aslinya.

Contemporary intellectual property debate.

Colocações comuns

steal a glance

steal the show

steal someone's heart

steal a base

steal money

steal an idea

stolen property

steal away

steal a kiss

steal someone's thunder

Frases Comuns

To steal a march on someone

— To gain an advantage over someone by acting before they do.

The company stole a march on its rivals by launching the product early.

To steal the limelight

— To get more attention than anyone else in a situation.

The guest speaker stole the limelight from the host.

A steal

— Something that is very cheap or a great bargain.

At ten dollars, this book is a steal!

To steal a look

— To look at something quickly and secretly.

I stole a look at the exam paper on the teacher's desk.

To steal someone's soul

— A metaphorical expression often used in folklore or intense emotional contexts.

Some cultures believe that taking a photo can steal someone's soul.

To steal time

— To find time for something by taking it from another activity.

I try to steal time for reading during my commute.

To steal a lead

— To get ahead of others in a competition.

The runner stole a lead in the final lap.

To steal into

— To enter a place quietly and secretly.

The cat stole into the kitchen through the open window.

To steal out

— To leave a place quietly and secretly.

They stole out of the house in the middle of the night.

To steal a victory

— To win a game or competition unexpectedly or at the last moment.

The team stole a victory with a goal in the final minute.

Frequentemente confundido com

steal vs rob

You steal things, but you rob people or places.

steal vs steel

Same pronunciation, but 'steel' is a strong metal.

steal vs take

'Take' is neutral; 'steal' implies no permission and illegality.

Expressões idiomáticas

"Steal someone's thunder"

— To take the attention or praise away from someone else.

I was going to tell everyone about my engagement, but my sister stole my thunder by announcing her pregnancy.

Informal

"Steal the show"

— To be the most popular or the best part of an event.

The little boy's dance routine stole the show.

General

"Steal a march on"

— To get an advantage by acting before others.

Our competitors stole a march on us by releasing their app first.

Formal/Business

"Steal someone's heart"

— To make someone fall in love with you.

That charming smile of his really stole her heart.

Informal/Romantic

"Steal a glance/look"

— To look at someone or something quickly and secretly.

He stole a glance at her while she wasn't looking.

General

"Steal away"

— To leave quietly and secretly.

We managed to steal away from the party early.

General

"Like stealing candy from a baby"

— Something that is very easy to do.

Winning that game was like stealing candy from a baby.

Informal

"Steal the scene"

— Similar to 'steal the show', usually referring to an actor in a movie.

The supporting actor stole every scene he was in.

General

"To steal a base"

— In baseball, to run to the next base while the pitcher is throwing.

He is known for his ability to steal bases.

Sports

"Steal a kiss"

— To kiss someone suddenly or secretly.

He stole a kiss in the moonlight.

Literary/Romantic

Fácil de confundir

steal vs rob

Both involve taking things illegally.

Steal focuses on the item (He stole the money). Rob focuses on the victim (He robbed the bank).

He stole the gold after he robbed the museum.

steal vs burgle

Both involve theft.

Burgle specifically means entering a building illegally to steal.

They burgled the house and stole the TV.

steal vs swipe

Both mean to take something.

Swipe is informal and often implies a quick, casual theft.

Someone swiped my pen when I wasn't looking.

steal vs shoplift

Both mean to steal.

Shoplift is only used for stealing from a store during opening hours.

He was caught shoplifting a candy bar.

steal vs borrow

Both involve taking something.

Borrowing implies permission and the intent to return; stealing does not.

I didn't steal it; I'm just borrowing it!

Padrões de frases

Don't steal [noun].

Don't steal the candy.

Someone stole my [noun].

Someone stole my phone.

My [noun] was stolen.

My bag was stolen.

He stole [noun] from [person/place].

He stole money from the bank.

To steal the [noun] (idiom).

To steal the show.

Accused of stealing [noun].

He was accused of stealing the documents.

Steal away from [place].

They stole away from the meeting.

[Subject] stole the [abstract noun].

The war stole their innocence.

Família de palavras

Substantivos

stealth

stealing

thief

theft

Verbos

steal

Adjetivos

stealthy

stolen

Relacionado

rob

burgle

shoplift

pilfer

embezzle

Cadastre-se grátis para ver todos os exemplos

Como usar

frequency

Very common in both spoken and written English.

Erros comuns

He stole the bank. → He robbed the bank.
You rob a place, you steal the money inside it.
I was stolen my phone. → My phone was stolen.
The object (phone) is the subject of the passive sentence, not the person.
He has stole my heart. → He has stolen my heart.
The past participle of 'steal' is 'stolen'.
They robbed my car. → They stole my car.
Unless they took things from inside while leaving the car, 'steal' is the correct word for taking the vehicle.
It's a steel! → It's a steal!
Confusing the spelling of the metal 'steel' with the noun 'steal' (a bargain).

Dicas

Past Participle

Always use 'stolen' with auxiliary verbs like 'has', 'have', or 'was'. Never say 'has stole'.

Steal vs Rob

A simple trick: Steal the 'Stuff', Rob the 'Room'. This helps you remember which object follows the verb.

Great Bargains

Use 'It's a steal!' when you find something at a very low price. It makes you sound more like a native speaker.

Steal vs Steel

Remember: You 'eat' (ea) a 'meal' that you 'steal'. 'Steel' with 'ee' is the hard metal like in 'wheels'.

Joking Usage

You can use 'steal' jokingly with friends (e.g., 'You stole my seat!'), but avoid it in serious situations unless a crime happened.

Steal the Show

This is a great phrase for reviews or compliments. It means someone was the best part of a performance.

Theft

In legal documents, you will often see 'theft' or 'larceny' instead of 'stealing'.

Long Vowel

Make sure the 'ea' sound is long. If it's too short, it sounds like 'still', which is a different word.

Synonyms

If you are writing about a small theft, use 'pilfer'. It adds more detail to your writing.

Digital Theft

In the context of computers, we often use 'identity theft' or 'data breach' rather than just 'stealing'.

Memorize

Mnemônico

Think of a 'Steal' as 'Secretly Taking Everything And Leaving'.

Associação visual

Imagine a person in a black mask (a thief) running away with a bag of money that has a giant 'S' on it for 'Steal'.

Word Web

thief crime secret illegal money rob take stolen

Desafio

Try to use 'steal', 'stole', and 'stolen' in three different sentences describing a movie plot.

Origem da palavra

Derived from the Old English word 'stelan', which has Germanic roots. It is related to the Old High German 'stelan' and Old Norse 'stela'.

Significado original: The core meaning has always been to take property secretly and without permission.

Germanic

Contexto cultural

Be careful when using 'steal' as an accusation; it is a very strong word that can lead to conflict or legal trouble.

In the US and UK, 'stealing' is a common theme in 'heist' movies (like Ocean's Eleven), which often glamorize the act of clever theft.

Robin Hood (steals from the rich) The Book Thief (novel by Markus Zusak) How to Steal a Million (1966 film)

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

Crime

report a stolen car
catch a thief stealing
stolen property
identity theft

Sports

steal a base
steal the ball
a clean steal
steal a win

Social/Idiomatic

steal the show
steal someone's thunder
steal a glance
steal a kiss

Shopping

it's a steal
caught shoplifting
steal from the store
price is a steal

Work/Ideas

steal an idea
steal a client
steal company time
steal credit

Iniciadores de conversa

"Have you ever had anything stolen from you?"

"What would you do if you saw someone stealing in a shop?"

"Do you think 'stealing from the rich to give to the poor' is ever okay?"

"In your country, what is the punishment for stealing a car?"

"Who is the most famous thief in history or fiction?"

Temas para diário

Write about a time you lost something and thought it was stolen. How did you feel?

Describe a movie or book where the main character has to steal something important.

Is it ever okay to steal food if you are starving? Explain your opinion.

What are some ways people can protect their things from being stolen?

Write a story about a 'master thief' who only steals things that have no value.

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

The past simple is 'stole' and the past participle is 'stolen'. For example: 'He stole it yesterday' and 'It has been stolen'.

Usually, yes, as it implies a crime. However, in idioms like 'steal the show' or 'steal someone's heart', it is positive. Also, 'a steal' means a great bargain.

No, unless you were kidnapped. You should say 'I was robbed' or 'My wallet was stolen'.

You steal an object (steal a car) and you rob a person or place (rob a person, rob a bank).

Yes, 'stealing' is the gerund form and can act as a noun (e.g., 'Stealing is wrong'). The act itself is called 'theft'.

In baseball, it means running to the next base safely. In basketball, it means taking the ball from the opponent.

It means to look at someone or something very quickly and secretly so they don't notice.

Yes, you can steal an idea, a melody, or a design. This is often called plagiarism or intellectual property theft.

It is an informal way to say something is very cheap. 'This dress was only $5—it's a steal!'

It means to leave a place quietly and secretly, often to avoid being noticed.

Cadastre-se grátis para ver dicas e notas